Military Chiefs' Tenure Extended by Legislation
In a significant legislative session, the National Assembly of Pakistan has passed several important bills, including amendments to increase the tenure of military chiefs and to augment the number of judges in the Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court. This move aims to address pressing judicial needs and enhance military governance.
Details of the Legislative Session
The session was presided over by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, where the motion to suspend the question period was approved by a majority vote, allowing the Law Minister to present several key bills. The rapid progression of these bills follows the recent approval from the Federal Cabinet.
Increase in Judges
The Law Minister presented the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Ordinance, proposing an increase in the number of judges in the Supreme Court from its current number to 34, and in the Islamabad High Court from 9 to 12 judges. This adjustment is deemed necessary to tackle the thousands of pending cases in the Supreme Court registry.
Military Chiefs' Tenure Amendment
In addition to judicial reforms, the Federal Minister of Defense, Khawaja Asif, introduced the bill to amend the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force Acts, which includes provisions for extending the tenure of military chiefs. This amendment reflects the government's commitment to stabilizing military leadership structures.
Opposition Response
During the session, opposition members raised slogans in response to the proposed bills, indicating dissent. However, the Federal Law Minister addressed their concerns by emphasizing the necessity of increasing the number of judges to alleviate the backlog of cases and ensure timely justice.
FAQs
Conclusion
The passage of these bills by the National Assembly marks a critical step toward judicial reform and military governance in Pakistan. By increasing the number of judges and extending the tenure of military chiefs, the government aims to address significant challenges within the judicial system and ensure stability within military leadership. As these changes move forward, they will have far-reaching implications for governance and the rule of law in the country.
